We are artists, film makers and designers looking at how people use Accrington Town Centre. We're aiming to produce a new ‘map’ of the shopping area with people’s thoughts, ideas, images, memories and stories to help other people appreciate the benefits at the heart of Accrington.

Monday, 12 July 2010

What an absolutely fabulous morning. Meet so many people with stories to tell and so willing to stop and write down what they liked about the town centre, and, of course, what they didn't. We got 152 responses and I already know there is some remarkable information gathered - how about the lady who got chopped in half! Then there was the person who wanted more night-clubs and, on the historical side, the one time importance of Warner street. There's a lot to sift through.The event was supported by Huckleberry Films (link) and Matthew Lewis (link) so really looking forward to seeing their work.Also fantastic to meet with everyone from Accrington Web who have been so helpful and supportive.One comment I got quite a lot was the reply "we're not from Accrington, we just like coming to shop here." There's something going on in Accy that people like.

Thursday, 8 July 2010

Saturday is our big day to launch the project to get people to participate and tell us why they like coming into the town centre. It will all help develop a characterful map which will be used to promote the town and encourage us to appreciate it that bit more.

So on Saturday from 10am until about 2pm we'll see you all there and please fill in the questionnaires!

I was collecting some printing from Lancs Print and Steve asked me what I was doing over the weekend! I gave him one of the balloons. Remarkably he mentioned Shurmer and that many, many years ago they'd printed some maps and they might still be in the archives. How about that! I hope this project brings up more coincidences like that.

Last week I was working with D&AW on the promotional items for this Saturday. Saf grappled with the button badge maker pressing some 250 badges - will that be enough? The questionnaire leaflet is being printed, and the pens and balloons are hopefully on their way.